Photos By: RunVan
Monday October 11, 2021 was officially my return to racing. I participated in the Granville Island Turkey Trot. This run has all my favorite “F” words….it’s a Family Friendly, Fun 10K run/walk hosted by RUNVAN.®
It’s a beautiful 10KM course that starts at Granville Island and loops over the Burrard Bridge to the north side Seawall before turning at Science World and heading back along the south side Seawall, finishing at Performance Works on Granville Island.
The last time I laced up my running shoes and toed the starting line with others for The Santa Run on November 28, 2019… Gosh, could it really have been that long ago? Read on for my return to racing mindset.
COVID-19 forced the cancellation of numerous in-person races in 2020 and the first months of this year. The calendar ahead, however, is beginning to fill with opportunities for 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons and marathons.
If you are anything like me, after so much time between races, you may feel a bit rusty pinning on a race bib.
Here are 3 tips that helped guide me through my Return to racing:
- I made sure to log the proper training; eat smart, stay hydrated, and get enough sleep ahead of the event.
- While virtual races offered a challenge over the last 23 months, they do not provide the same the same competitive atmosphere. That said, the personal record I set back that magical morning back in 2019 was not the goal for my first race back.
- I didn’t expect races to look like they did pre Covid. What I was expecting was staggered starts and spaced-out corrals to replace the shoulder-to-shoulder starting chutes of the past. I also expected that masks would be required at starting lines, and water stops to be less common, with runners asked to carry their own hydration.
RACE DAY REMINDERS:
LET GO
Let go of the outcome and focus on the process. Holding so tight to that goal adds stress and tension, whereas remembering that you LOVE to run and GET to race adds energy to your body.
NERVES
They are a source of energy and excitement. Use that to propel you forward
ONE RUN
No matter what happens it doesn’t make you more or less if a runner. Your training is never wasted.
After 24 months of longing to run an in-person race, I am so happy to have finally been able to participate. I savored each moment (event the hills) and soaked up all the finish line energy.
Humongous thank you to Runvan, and all the sponsors and volunteers that helped make this event possible. ????????
